The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Persistence pays off as Scougall signs for Saints
Playmaker was Tommy Wright’s top summer transfer target
Tommy Wright’s persistence has paid off, with Stefan Scougall eventually being confirmed as a St Johnstone player.
The former Livingston man has been the Saints manager’s number one summer transfer priority since Danny Swanson’s departure to Hibs was confirmed, but Wright revealed that his admiration of the 24-year-old goes a lot further back than that.
“It’s no secret that Stefan was a target for me,” he said.
“He’s a player I’ve known for a long time and I watched him extensively when he was at Livingston and followed him when he went south.
“He fits the bill perfectly and has a lot of great qualities, bringing us that little bit extra in the final third.
“He has a real desire to play for this club and has nothing to prove to me or others but just wants to play and make a difference.”
Scougall, who has signed a two-year deal, met up with his new team-mates on the final day of their Largs training camp.
The ex-Sheffield United playmaker will now be hoping to get action in the closed-doors games Wright has lined up for this week.
Scougall, who had drifted out of the first-team picture at Bramall Lane, said: “My dad and I were invited to the Saints game against Hearts towards the end of last season and I spoke extensively with the manager that night, and he was so positive about the club and his reasons for wanting me here that I was more than happy to sign.
“I need to play football and once I knew that Tommy wanted me, it was just a case of trying to get the deal done.
“I played under three different managers in my time at Sheffield United and that’s given me different experiences.
“I’ve come back to Scotland having grown as a person and a player.”